I just wanted to say that so many kind-hearted and generous people from this community have helped my friends and I secure last minute tix for tonight's show... it's the only night we can go during the entire run and I wanted to thank you all! Phans rock!

I've also a question -

About what time have they hit the stage the past few nights?

Thanks again and see you all tonight!

they go on between 8:15 and 8:30, usually closer to 8:30

thanks, daniel!

anyone got my extra

Here is the US Blues from last night

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5Zv0wUQCZE

later

possible al from moe. sit in tonight. He is playing a latenight show at bb kings and has been a friend before.

5:39 PM [taperrob] Nokia Theatre, NYC 11/7/08 Set 1: Chest Fever

Chest Fever

5:57 PM [taperrob] Nokia Theatre, NYC 11/7/08 Set 1: Chest Fever, Doin' That Rag, Friend Of The Devil

FOTD

6:05 PM [taperrob] Nokia Theatre, NYC 11/7/08 Set 1: Chest Fever, Doin' That Rag, Friend Of The Devil, Pride Of Cucamonga

Set 1

Chest Fever
Doin That Rag
FOTD
Pride of Cucamonga

Pride Of Cucamonga

thanks,wish I was there

CUCAMONGA!

i love that song, one of the few tailored for phil perfectly

6:14 PM [taperrob] Nokia Theatre, NYC 11/7/08 Set 1: Chest Fever, Doin' That Rag, Friend Of The Devil, Pride Of Cucamonga, Mexican Girl

Set 1

Chest Fever
Doin That Rag
FOTD
Pride of Cucamonga
Mexican Girl

lovin it already . .

no dark star tonight tho . . the story doesnt seem to be playing out that way

THANK YOU TAPERROB AND UPDATERS!

Mexican Girl

lol. . .

getting updates via text and I read "mex" as Mexicali Blues of course. . .

According to my buddy in the latest text:

"This is a BIG Larry night thus far"

I see Phil has the fret lights on!

Thank you so much Taper Rob.

The photos are wonderful!

Taperrob is the MAN! Frickin sweet, setlist and pics!! You've out done yourself my good man.

another big Larry night.

6:23 PM [taperrob] Nokia Theatre, NYC 11/7/08 Set 1: Chest Fever, Doin' That Rag, Friend Of The Devil, Pride Of Cucamonga, Mexican Girl, Candyman

Candyman

6:31 PM [taperrob] Nokia Theatre, NYC 11/7/08 Set 1: Chest Fever, Doin' That Rag, Friend Of The Devil, Pride Of Cucamonga, Mexican Girl, Candyman, Alabama Getaway

That's hilarious, Jackie looks split in that picture with him at the piano. Lay off the kush, kid.

Nokia Theatre, NYC 11/7/08

Set 1:
Chest Fever
Doin' That Rag
Friend Of The Devil
Pride Of Cucamonga
Mexican Girl
Candyman
Alabama Getaway

my understanding is that jackie avoids the kush...

chest fever and doin that rag! so jealous was hoping to get one of those toorrow night.

No shit, mandala? I always knew he was a haze guy, lol

at the sweetwater shows they specifically asked people to keep the kush smoke away from jackie...

That's seems an odd request at least to a Hoosier. Sometimes Cali seems like another planet, lol. So who is they in this case. It's funny the request wasn't please don't puff, just keep it away from the kid.

thats kinda lame about the sweetwater comment

wtf is he 14? haha

from here in cali, it sometimes seems like you all are in a different universe... ;-}

maybe he has allergies?

Here is the Stella from 11/3- gorgeous.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_vSY_fSdzM

Do we have any more songs? Set break? Technical difficulties? Reptoid invasion?

set break

Looks like a nice first set, maybe a touch on the sort side?

guest?

7:27 PM [taperrob] Set 2: Shakedown Street

nice! Those nehw yawkas tend to go apeshit for Shakedown. "Don't tell me this town ain't got no heart!"

Shakedown Street

7:39 PM [taperrob] Set 2: Shakedown Street> Jam>Jack Straw

7:50 PM [taperrob] Set 2: Shakedown Street> Jam> Jack Straw, St Stephen

set 1 now playing here> www.live365.com/stations/2012_live

Wow ho ho. Looks like a burner tonight. Looking forward to the reviews tommorow in the mean time good night all!

8:00 PM [taperrob] Set 2: Shakedown Street> Jam> Jack Straw, St Stephen...> Fire On The Mountain

Yeah!!!!!!

Thanks Trob!

8:14 PM [taperrob] Set 2: Shakedown Street> Jam> Jack Straw, St Stephen...> Fire On The Mountain, Revolution

8:20 PM [taperrob] Set 2: Shakedown Street> Jam> Jack Straw, St Stephen...> Fire On The Mountain, Revolution> Jam>

8:23 PM [taperrob] Set 2: Shakedown Street> Jam> Jack Straw, St Stephen...> Fire On The Mountain, Revolution> Jam> Throwing Stones

Holy cows what a second set!!!

Thank you for posting these updates from taperrob, Mandala.

my pleasure. reminds me of the old daze on the well...

Damn, I had a tix but had to work!!!

Right on Mandala!

8:34 PM [taperrob] Set 2: Shakedown Street> Jam> Jack Straw, St Stephen...> Fire On The Mountain, Revolution> Jam> Throwing Stones> Truckin'

damn work...

Wow, what a second set...

wow, even after nearly 6 shows, we are still seeing a plethora of new tunes.

I know, I would like to find the guy who thought of work!!!

8:46 PM [taperrob] Set 2: Shakedown Street> Jam> Jack Straw, St Stephen...> Fire On The Mountain, Revolution> Jam> Throwing Stones> Truckin'> Midnight Hour

work has this obnoxious habit of interfering with life...

Especially during tour!!!

8:56 PM [taperrob] Set 2: Shakedown Street> Jam> Jack Straw, St Stephen...> Fire On The Mountain, Revolution> Jam> Throwing Stones> Truckin'> Midnight Hour, Donor Rap/Intros, enc: Brokedown Palace

Nokia Theatre, NYC 11/7/08

Set 1:
Chest Fever
Doin' That Rag
Friend Of The Devil
Pride Of Cucamonga
Mexican Girl
Candyman
Alabama Getaway

Set 2:
Shakedown Street> Jam>
Jack Straw
St Stephen...>
Fire On The Mountain
Revolution> Jam>
Throwing Stones>
Truckin'>
Midnight Hour

Donor Rap/Intros

enc:
Brokedown Palace

Thanks Taperob!!!

I am green jello , you guys that is awesome!

doin dope doin beers

Tonight was sweet - also, Molitz ( or as we call hin "particle guy") sang leads on Doin' that Rag A first ???? all in all this was much better then last night - see ya' tommorrow

Thanks all of you so much for the lists, posting, photos. Taperrob, you make the world more fun.

whole show now playing here> www.live365.com/stations/2012_live

WOW WOW What an amazing set, it really parted towards the end in the front, just seeing the chords vibrate during brokendown palace was INCREDIBLE!! I think the theme is, Don't you know it's gonna be - ALRIGHT! Wow, what a great time!

WOW WOW What an amazing set, it really parted towards the end in the front, just seeing the chords vibrate during brokendown palace was INCREDIBLE!! I think the theme is, Don't you know it's gonna be - ALRIGHT! Wow, what a great time!

Killer second set. Really rocking and jamming. Most intense set out of the three shows I saw.

I thought the first set was okay. No flow, long breaks between songs. None of them really got going though hard to compalin about Pride Of Cucamonga. Friend Of The Devil was sweet. So glad I was there for that.

Second set was another animal. They got locked in during Shakedown and never really let up. The jam into Jack Straw was flawless. During Fire, there was a short point where the jam sort of fizzled (I think Larry just didn't want to take another solo) but that was the only moment of let down for me. Jackie took a lot of solos in the second set and did an admirable job though Larry was the man with the blistering licks as usual.

St. Stephen was on fire and Throwing Stones>Truckin' was off the charts. Revolution was a tad sloppy but what the heck, it usually is yet its always so rewarding.

Personally, I prefered the looser folkier second sets on the 1st and the 6th, but no doubt last night was a rocker, went for the big jams in second set and mostly delivered. Phil was incredible as always, He got really into at times last night more than I've seen. Like a man possesed at times.

This was the 3rd show of the run that I caught and the first one I went to alone. When I go alone I tend to feel more focused. Don't get me wrong, I love sharing the Phil Lesh experiences with friends in real time. I love turning to friends saying, "did you just hear that?!!" But it's a different experience when I'm alone. I'll usually end up chatting with the people around me a little about previous shows, but I generally keep to myself. But I somehow feel more connected to the band on stage, the music they're streaming forth, and the crowd as a collective breathing entity when I fly solo.

Going into the show, I had a pervasive feeling that this would be THE night of the run. I dunno why, probably just because we all want the show that's hanging right before us to be the one for the ages. Looking back on it now, from a wakeful 2AM perspective, it wasn't THE show, but it was a a damn good one. There was not a weak song in the bunch and the energy never lagged. Going into the show, I really wanted some sort of crazy long jam with 20 minute instrumental passages and songs sewn tightly together with pointy little arrows ("--->") but sort of like last Saturday's show with Neal Casal I got a show focusing more on songs, instead of connective jams.

So I didn't get what I wanted but as the Stones taught us, you sometimes just get what you need. And I had a wonderful time dancing hard and singing along.

The show opened with my first live P&F "Chest Fever" with Larry kicking off the proceedings with a guitar fanfare in place of Garth Hudson[?]'s organ intro.
I've been itching to hear it since the band debuted it last Fall. Phil and Friends' version is special to me because in one of my reviews I randomly said that the song would make a good addition to the repertoire, and coincidentally. a week later the band debuted it.

I noticed Molo's double bass drum pedal action on this song and throughout the whole show. I never noticed it before the Nokia run. Is it a new addition to his kit? Is it being miked different so it comes across as more prominent? Or has it always been there and have I just been unobservant in that regard?

Molo's "diga diga dut" kick phrases added a good tension build and heaviness to climactic moments in tonight's songs. I usually associate double bass pedals with thrash/speed/death/black metal bands, but the pedal action definitely works in this context too.

And speaking of metal, I wrote in my notes how the "Doin' That Rag" that followed featured some dual lead guitar harmonics that were reminiscent of Iron Maiden circa "7th Son" (usually the guitars in tandem seem more like the Allman Brothers.) Molitz handled the vocals on Rag. I don't think I've caught it live since Chris Robinson's tenure with the Friends. Molitz seemed to be singing out of his range and falling off key. But it didn' t really bother me. Ragged [oh the puns!] vocals seem to add character to this song, and the instrumental performance over all was very enjoyable

FOTD came next and was sweet and concise. You could hear a good portion of the crowd singing along. Hell, I was inspired to sing along too. Tonight more than I've noticed at previous shows, the crowd was singing along to all the "essential" songs. I know some folks are annoyed by singing audiences and I personally hate having some drunk guy whine off key right into my ear "first one's name sweet ann marie and she's my heart's delight..." But for most of the night, the crowd chorus seemed on point. They sang in time and on key. The singalong gave the evening a family feel. It made the songs seem like "ours."

Cucamonga came next with Larry's pedal steel mixed good and loud as the lead instrument. Then we got the only Jackie original of the night, "Mexican Girl." The obvious comparison for this song's flavor is Santana's "Black Magic Woman," but tonight the song's delivery seemed more subtle. It made me think of Dire Straits' "Sultans of Swing." It got really mellow in the middle before the band brought the energy back up at the end. Molitz stuck to he keyboards for the whole thing and didn't do the kinda silly, kinda cute melodica (blow keyboard) solo he's done every other time I've heard the song.

Candyman followed and featured the crowd singing along again, but Jackie's deliveyr of the lyrics is a bit different from Jerry's so there was a discrepency between the onstage and in-crown vocals at times. I wonder if the recordings will pick it up.

The set ended with "Alabama Getaway." I never expect this song, but always enjoy it. It was high energy fun with Phil's vocals a bit less mumbly than usual for the tune. Don't get me wrong, he was still mumbly, but he annunciated more words than usual.

The first set was strong and seemed very GD-style. It was made up of relatively short songs with no real jams and no segues.

The girl next to me seemed amazed that I called the Shakedown that opened set 2, but if one followed the setlists for the run so far, the odds seemed pretty good so it was no work of magic. There was no Jerry-wah style noodle build-up intro. They just launched right into it. And this was probably the peak of the party in terms of people dancing and singing along. Molo threw in more double bass pedal kicks, and continued to do so for the rest of the show. Molitz got a good chance to use the "70s sci-fi" settings on his keyboards. Jackie and Larry did some real Allmans-esque unison/in-harmony guitar lines on this song and throughout the show. I noticed this unison-playing more at this show than at the ones they did with Sless.

The jam out of Shakedown dropped suddenly yet smoothly into Jack Straw. This was the one really tight "arrow" of the evening. Again, everyone sang along as Phil and Jackie traded verses. The song hit all the glorious peaks one would expect it to.

St. Stephen followed and I was surprised to hear it since they'd played it on the first night of the run too. But no complaints, Phil's band always delivers on this tune and tonight's delivery was tighter than on Halloween. They nailed all the changes this time around. The intro seemed pretty long and the crowd amusingly jumped the gun twice on the "St. Stephen with a rose..." line.

A deliciously slow-burning Fire rose out of the final note of Stephen. Then it sounded like we were getting "Cosmic Charlie," but no, it was a very topical post-election "Revolution" by the Beatles. Funny enough, Lennon was at the forefront of my mind. Just before the show, I finally paid a visit to the Strawberry Fields' "Imagine" mosaic at 72nd St. in Central Park and coming into the venue, the Nokia house speakers played "Imagine."

The jam out of "Revolution" seemed kinda fumbled. It had a few good phrases, but didn't segue with force into the next song. It actually basically stopped and Molo's drum stick click served as the bridge into "Throwin' Stones." This seemed like the weakest tune of the evening. Jackie seemed a bit anemic on the delivery of the vocals, but maybe I was just thrown off because I've never heard him do the song before and I'm still used to it sounding "Weir'd." The song was a lot of fun, though, providing lots of participatory opportunities for a crowd that was more than willing to sing along. Jackie finally seemed to find some passion when he sang the "shipping powders" part of the song.

A great "Truckin" followed. After hearing this song a thousand times on tape, disc, and live, it takes a lot to get me excited for this song. And I got excited this time around. As the intro kicked in, Teresa literally comes running and jumping from backstage with a big smile on her face as if to say "Oh boy! I get to sing Truckin!'" Her wide grin stayed for the whole song. Her giddiness was adorable.

A compact Midnight Hour closed out the set on a high note. It didn't feature any long wailing solos that are often the hallmark of this tune.

The big second set jam never really came, but what did come were distinct earthy songs that were great ingredients for a Friday night dance party.

As for the intros/banter/donor rap, I have advice for Phil: STEP AWAY FROM THE MIKE when you you're talking. Just a "Half Step" will do fine! When you're pretty much kissing the mike, everything you say comes out as low-end sludge. I don't think he said anything for the ages, but he seemed amused by what ever he said and it's always nice to know what the guy on stage is saying to you.

Jackie was excellent on the Brokedown encore. He vocals are so sweetly understated. And Larry delivered some really sweet licks on the pedal steel. And that surprised me, because I remember him always doing fiddle for this tune.
It was too bad that for the first time during the show, the people around me were annoyingly loud and chatty. Not to be a party-killer, but a song this poignant deserves some respect! Still, even the Chatty Cathys put their conversations on hold to sing along to t he songs key lines that never fail to pull at out collective heart strings (you know the ones I'm talking about.)

I left the show feeling high on the music and I whistled "Brokedown" to myself all the way to the subway platform.

Nice review, sir. Wish I was in NY - one of the few times I have had occasion to say that.

I always wish I was in NY. lol

Nice review Sebastian. Which other shows were you at?

Areukind. My schedule is/was 10/31, 11/1, 11/7,11/8, 11/14, 11/15, 11/18

nice.

I thought 11/2 Sunday's show was super HOT.

esp the 2nd set with China Cat > The Eleven & Elevator.

Lift off.

Way better than the 1st 2 nights.

Last night was another nice show, but I felt it was a bit disjointed compared to the previous shows of this run(except Halloween, which was expected to be so). What I mean is the transitions between songs and within songs were either non existent of very abrupt.

Still, great show! And the BROKEDOWN was NAILED!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sebastian - I agree with you that the crowd was somehow singing on key last night! During Revolution I felt like most people were really feeling it, belching it out waving their hands and just getting down. I thought Thurs night was really chatty! I had to move like 3 times - and I totally agree with you about feeling a little more connected when you're by yourself! Midnight hour came as such a pleasant surprise, I can't remember the last time I heard it from Phil and the band. Jackie's vocals seemed to carry more depth and consistency since what 2 years ago, and that was nice. I am finally beginning to embrace him as one of the Phriends! Really great reviews everyone, it's a pleasure reading them! I have only 2 more shows and might have to go to the ticket board now...

thanks for the excellent reviews everyone...

i had a great time and last night being my only show, i'm very pleased.

before the show, i got to witness my new friend anna make someone's night when she miracled her extra ticket to someone outside... it turned out we were less one person so she gifted it away...

a great way to start a great show!
i was smiling all night!

what a show...i went by myself too, i almost like going alone better...tripped perfectly and felt the NYC vibe, what a scene, times square was happening, started at the espn zone, forgot to go to smiths to meet lady zoners (lyn), but i never looked back as i got pertty toasty (safe to drive at 1 am though)...nothin beter than trippin in the city with phil...just felt so connected all night...

i really like the nokia now, took me awhile, there was room, good drinks (strong)...good sound in most places, space to dance, video and sound monitors everywhere...did anyone catch the deaf section lower stage front left...i love watching the girls sighning (sp?) the lyrics to songs, and dancing to the music so the deaf heads could follow...great vibes and a cool thing..ist set was mellow, but i felt the jery vibe alot, especially during candyman, sweet...but the night and theme and song of the night was SHAKEDOWN "just gotta poke around" always sums up NYC for me...it only got better with the jam>jack straw... a good jam, not long or spacey, but a good improv moment for the kid and larry...take the hat off though jackie, it was making me hot...

i love jack, great movement in the song, momentum creator, and what lyrics, hunter at his best...and the st. into fire was classic, loved how the crowd roared, and great lights too, who's doing them?...

drove in at 6. left at 1...showered and nugged down at 3, asleep at 4am...not a bad night...now football and realx time...and munch out all day...have fun tonight...

Great reviews friends. I've seen this line up a few times. Last night I was really impressed with Jackie. That cat got heart. At times I felt he really coaxed some extra passion outa the guys.
Im looking forward to tonight. Let the good times roll.

Hey. Amazing show! Just wanted to tell Wilson (?) from Boston, if you're reading this, drop me a line. It's Sam from the show last night. JoyonNarrowBridge@yahoo.com

>>>Jack Straw. This was the one really tight "arrow" of the evening. Again, everyone sang along as Phil and Jackie traded verses. The song hit all the glorious peaks one would expect it to.

psyched about the glorious peaks but did you get any massive Phil Cluster Bombs at the end ?

just curious, as I have yet to hear a PLF version of this tunes with bombs that have done justice...

>>>Jack Straw. This was the one really tight "arrow" of the evening. Again, everyone sang along as Phil and Jackie traded verses. The song hit all the glorious peaks one would expect it to.

psyched about the glorious peaks but did you get any massive Phil Cluster Bombs at the end ?

just curious, as I have yet to hear a PLF version of this tunes with bombs that have done justice...

The show startd off rather soft. Song selection in the first set was ok but left much to be desired musically. Set two was a great song selection ad the band put in a fantastic effort. Seems like the band is taking it to higher levels from show to show ( as Phil said).The "total package" of a show could be just around the corner.

Sound was really dialed in and was content even in upper seating area.

BTW, Cissy Strut quote(by Albert Collins I believe)in Shakedown Street.

you mean that weird rift jam they did in shakedown? or actual words ?...

love this!